Mary Lou Retton (left).Photo:Mary Lou Retton/FoxysLeotards/Instagram
Mary Lou Retton/FoxysLeotards/Instagram
Mary Lou Rettonis holding her loved ones a little closer this Thanksgiving Day.
During the holiday, the Olympic champion, 55,shared photosof herself and her family as she reflected on the ups and downs of her year in a lengthy Instagram caption.
“As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, my heart is overflowing with profound gratitude. I want to express how truly blessed and thankful I am to be slowly improving and to be home with my girls, especially after my time in the hospital,” the caption began.
It continued: “The love and support of my four amazing daughters have been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey. Their presence in my life is a testament to the incredible bonds of family.”
The renowned athlete also praised her “Foxy [Foxy’s Leotards] family” for always being there for her: “On this day of giving thanks, I am reminded of the preciousness of life, the love that surrounds me, and the resilience of the human spirit.““Each one of you has played a significant role in my journey, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Retton’s reflections come amidst her ongoing road to recovery aftershe faced a health scarein early October, which landed her in the ICU.
Her daughter,McKenna Kelley, 26,made the initial announcementof her mother’s condition at the time.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” she wrote in a message on aSpotfund fundraising pagefor Retton, which has raised over $459,000 — well over its initial $50,000 goal.
Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
“She is not able to breathe on her own,” she continued. “She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”
Retton’s eldest daughter,Shayla Schrepfer, 28, also voiced how the family’s No. 1 concern was “the well being of our mom”in a statement to PEOPLE at the time.
After theretired gymnast was released from a Texas hospitalin late October, Kelley couldn’t contain her gratitude.
“We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone,” she continued. “Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.”
Shortly after,Retton used Instagram to make her own statementabout her recovery process.
“I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process,” the former athlete wrote. “When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues.”
Eric McCandless via Getty
The gymnastics star also wrote that she is “beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” and said she is “overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight.”
source: people.com
